Another blog entry and lots of things to discuss! We have some exciting developments here at Bridgwater college with news that Nelson Thornes have become our Title Sponsor for the Motorsport Team for a year. The new partnership will bring great things for both parties – watch this space for updates. We have also begun the process of setting up a top-up year for our Foundation Degree in Motorsport in association with Oxford Brookes University, meaning that we will be able to offer a Level Extended Diploma in Motorsport, a Foundation Degree in Motorsport Engineering and a BSc(Hons) Top up year in Motorsport Technology.

The 7th October will also be the last round of the Castle Combe Sports & GT championship and we will be aiming to build upon our pole position and 3rd place in the race from the last round in August.

It’s been an interesting few weeks to see how the new Higher Education fees policy has affected student numbers and it seems that with the huge hike in fees that students now have to pay, it has resulted in less people applying for a place at universities and other HE providers.
My book, Fundamentals of Motorsport Engineering, is edging closer to completion, with all of the chapters now submitted and going through the final reviewing process. I can’t wait to see it ‘in the flesh’ when the first proofs arrive next month!

F1 has seen a lot of action and media attention with Lewis Hamilton’s move from McLaren to Mercedes making the headlines. His move has already seen Sergio Perez move to McLaren from Sauber and will no doubt lead to further moves between the drivers from team to team. McLaren have also had gearbox issues with both cars, whilst Fernando Alonso consistently continues to pick up vital points as we head towards the tail end of the season.

In the World Rally Championship, Sebastian Loeb has all but wrapped up his ninth championship and has broken news that he will look to only compete in certain events next year as he seeks a new challenge.